The Scientific Low Down on Pot

Marijuana has been the subject of heated debate over the past several decades

Yet, humanity has been using this herb in many ways for millennia. Marijuana also is known by names such as pot, cannabis, weed and dope. Different parts of the marijuana plant are used for different purposes, but most commonly the leaves are smoked.

The US consider cannabis to be a “Schedule 1 substance” and treat it with the same disdain as heroin. Is this too harsh? To discover the truth, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine examined hundreds of scientific research papers. They released their conclusions in January this year. Below we will list the findings to decide whether pot is dangerous, or a beneficial medicine.

Does Science Say Pot is Dangerous?

The Scientific Low Down on Pot – Does Science Say Pot is Dangerous

When weighing up the pros and cons of pot, one must also compare these with the pros and cons of other similar things. Classified by the US as a class 1 substance makes the assumption that pot is deadly like heroin.

Heroin kills thousands of addicts a year, but cannabis kills no one. Americans perceive pot as less dangerous than cocaine and methamphetamines. Most of the data points to pot being about as dangerous as alcohol. Does this mean the US should upgrade the criminality of alcohol consumption? Or downgrade the criminality of cannabis use?

Driving Becomes Dangerous on Pot

The Scientific Low Down on Pot – Driving Becomes Dangerous on Pot

It is a criminal offense to drive under the influence of alcohol. Yet twice as many car accidents that result from impaired judgment are because of pot. THC in marijuana impairs judgment and motor skills. Users gain a warped sense of time and their reactions are defective.

Pot Damages Brain Cells

The psychoactive ingredient in pot, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) weakens important brain connections. When you use pot, your brain cannot adequately receive, process or send messages. You impair your memory, ability to pay attention and ability to learn.

Pot Exacerbates Mental Illness

The Scientific Low Down on Pot – Pot Exacerbates Mental Illness

A person predisposed to schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and other psychoses should avoid pot. If you have a family history that contains these disorders, it is a clue that pot could be detrimental to you.

Unfortunately, studies also reveal that people with schizophrenia are more likely to use pot. Pot will dramatically increase the distressing symptoms of these mental illnesses. This is because cannabis and schizophrenia share common genes. Other concerning studies reveal a link between pot and suicidal feelings.